Art show highlights work of all Jackson students for past year

The multipurpose building at Jackson High School was filled with excited students pointing out their artwork to camera-toting parents Sunday during the eighth annual All-District Art Show.

With her mother and two sisters in tow, 9-year-old Madeline McCallister looked for her drawing amid more than 2,000 pieces of artwork hanging from the walls and bleachers.

"There it is. I wanted to do something unusual," she explained, pointing to a drawing of a weasel reaching for cherries.

"We all have a great appreciation for artwork, because my dad taught art for 19 years," said her mother, Jolie McCallister.

The All-District Art Show is a collection of work students in kindergarten through 12th grade have created throughout the year in art classes.

"It's a way to show the community what the art department does, instead of just on the refrigerator," said event organizer Carol Horst. "The kids love it. They've communicated what they think, see and feel. They want the whole town to see to what they've done."

According to Horst, who teaches art at South Elementary, it took 25 volunteers eight hours on Friday to complete the display.

"Jackson is well represented in sports historically, but we have a lot of really creative children, and they like to have a place to shine too," Horst said.

The two-day event also included demonstrations by local artists, puppet making and face painting.

"I think it's amazing what kids can do. I'm always surprised at how creative they are," said Dana Dickerson, whose 9-year-old daughter, Taylor, participated in the exhibit.

On Sunday, students from R.O. Hawkins Junior High demonstrated glazing and weaving techniques for visitors.

"It's been pretty cool. Several people have stopped to comment," said 15-year-old Jessica Drum as she laced fabric and string as part of a weaving project.

The exhibit included drawings, paintings, prints, ceramics, fiber art and collages.

"I think it's fantastic that children do this," said Bruce Watkins, whose stepdaughter, Chelsey Lukefahr, had several pieces on display. "I never got to do this when I was in school."

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128